Alma Rose Kriesel

Alma Rose Kriesel - 98 - of Owatonna , died peacefully at Cedarveiw Care Center in Owatonna on September 20, 2011. Alma was born in St. Joseph, Iowa on June 16, 1913, the daughter of Casper and Louise (Merck) Kayser. When Alma was a young girl, the farm family moved to a farm near Waseca, Minnesota. Her school years were spent at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Waseca. After school she moved to Owatonna for work as a housekeeper for the Dr. John A. McIntyre family. She married William G. Kriesel on February 21, 1939 at St. Hyacinths Catholic Church in Owatonna. Bill and Alma farmed near Owatonna all of their adult lives until retirement. They operated a livestock and crop farm and were very active as 4-H adult leaders and in many other community organizations and functions. Alma was a master gardener, loved the outdoors, enjoyed crafts and crocheting, and was a big Minnesota Twins fan. Alma's great pleasures in life were caring for her family and being a gracious hostess for a meal to whomever would stop for a visit. Alma will be fondly remembered for her excellent farm wife canning, baking, and cooking skills. She served many wonderful meals that were shared by family and friends. She was active with St. Joseph Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters. Alma volunteered many years at the Owatonna Hospital Pink Pantry and at Cedarview Care Center. Alma is survived by her son John (Judy) Kriesel of Owatonna, daughter Joyce (Don) Kaplan of Elysian, Daughter-in-law Bets Kriesel of Owatonna, nephew James Kayser of Fountain Hills, Arizona, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Alma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William, her son Billy, her brother Raphael Kayser, and her sister Juliann Kayser. Mass of Christian Burial is set for 10: 30 am Saturday, September 24, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Owatonna with Fr. Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral liturgy. A Catholic Daughters of America will recite the rosary at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Cedarview Care Center in Owatonna.